Best Campgrounds near Fort Calhoun, NE

Campgrounds surrounding Fort Calhoun in eastern Nebraska include several established recreation areas along the Missouri River corridor. Wilson Island State Recreation Area, Hitchcock County Nature Center, and Lake Cunningham Campground provide a mix of tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the area feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, while several offer electrical hookups for RVs and larger vehicles.

Seasonal flooding has significantly impacted camping availability in recent years, particularly at sites close to the Missouri River. "Wilson Island State Recreation Area had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River," noted one visitor. Many campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, with Lake Cunningham Campground typically open from mid-April to mid-October and Wilson Island State Recreation Area operating from April through December. Water levels, weather conditions, and maintenance projects occasionally lead to temporary closures, so checking current status before planning a trip is essential. Concrete camping pads at some locations help manage wet conditions during rainy periods.

The area's campgrounds offer diverse recreational opportunities centered around water activities. Lake Cunningham provides non-motorized boating options with kayak and paddleboard rentals available. Several visitors highlight the well-maintained facilities as a key benefit. One camper described Lake Cunningham as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing, non-power boating - some for rent." Sites along the Missouri River provide fishing opportunities and access to wildlife viewing, especially at campgrounds adjacent to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Many locations feature hiking and biking trails, including a 10-mile paved path around Lake Cunningham. Despite their proximity to urban areas, these campgrounds offer a sense of separation from city life while maintaining convenient access to services.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska (100)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

    "The sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice."

    2. Lake Cunningham Campground

    10 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (531) 201-5754

    $15 - $40 / night

    "The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."

    "Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"

    3. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fort Calhoun, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2069

    $15 - $23 / night

    "It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge."

    "Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge."

    4. Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground

    5 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    7 miles
    Website

    "Great location, not too close to the lake so not a lot of bugs to bother."

    "Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table. There are a couple of the spots right along side the lake."

    5. Missouri Valley City Park

    4 Reviews
    Missouri Valley, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2857

    "It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."

    "Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."

    6. Bob Hardy RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Blair, NE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 426-4191

    $18 - $25 / night

    7. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."

    "I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"

    8. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 592-8877

    $20 / night

    "This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay."

    "This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha. The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself)."

    9. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    8 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 329-6000

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Calhoun, NE

480 Reviews of 100 Fort Calhoun Campgrounds


  • V
    Sep. 30, 2025

    loess hills state forest

    Loess Hills State Forest

    Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door.

  • Fire S.
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Red Cedar Lake

    Peaceful Getaway with Beautiful Views

    Red Cedar Lake is a hidden gem if you’re looking for quiet, simple camping. The scenery is beautiful, with open skies and plenty of wildlife around. It’s free camping, so amenities are limited—bring your own supplies and expect rustic conditions. The fishing was great, and the sunsets over the water were stunning. Perfect spot if you want to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature close to the road.https://kukasoittia.fi/

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Convenient and quiet

    Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.

  • Kyla B.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

    https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Overnight stay

    This campsite was everything we were needing for the night plus more. The people were very friendly.


Guide to Fort Calhoun

Camping near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska offers access to diverse terrain at the edge of the Missouri River basin where Nebraska and Iowa meet. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with a humid continental climate bringing hot summers and cold winters. Seasonal water conditions heavily impact campground availability, with spring flooding occasionally affecting access to campsites along the river.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: Hitchcock Nature Center provides varied trail difficulty levels with exceptional views. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites. They already have a nice flat spot for your tent, although I'm a hammock camper. The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," notes Aaron A. about Hitchcock County Nature Center.

Non-motorized water activities: Lake activities provide options without needing a motorboat. According to Dana T., Lake Cunningham Campground offers "a large lake stocked with fish" and Connor S. adds there's "fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do."

Bird watching: The region has unique bird watching opportunities, especially during migration seasons. "The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. Great hiking in Loess Hills, great Nature Center especially with programming of 'Hawk Watch,'" says James M. about Hitchcock Nature Center.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathrooms and campsites. At Arrowhead Park Campground, one visitor reported, "For only $10 dollars this campground has a lot to provided including free showers. First come first serve. Highly recommend." Another camper noted, "Our site was well shaded with trees."

Affordable options: The Fort Calhoun area offers some of the most budget-friendly camping in the region. "Great price for electric hook ups and a shower house ($15). Would've stayed longer if we weren't going home. The host was very pleasant and helpful," shares Nancy B. about Arrowhead Park.

Proximity to urban conveniences: Despite feeling remote, campgrounds offer quick access to city amenities. Pat V. describes Hitchcock County Nature Center as "north of Crescent, IA and just let outside Omaha, NE. A short drive from the city and you are in the Loess Hills that were explored by Lewis and Clark on their trek west."

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Water levels and maintenance projects affect availability throughout the year. "After discussion with City officials, the campground will continue to be closed until at least August 2020. This is an estimated time frame," notes Bryan S. about Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience rail or highway noise. At Missouri Valley City Park, a recent visitor shared: "Place is well maintained with plenty of hookups, a nice view to the park, picnic tables and a dump station. Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."

Park entry fees: Some recreation areas require daily or annual entry fees beyond camping costs. "There is a $3 day use pass or a $20 yearly pass available," explains Pat V. about Hitchcock Nature Center.

Tips for camping with families

Educational programming: Several parks offer family-friendly learning activities. Karen W. says of Hitchcock Nature Center: "With the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. They have a hawkwatch tower. Lots of information about Hawks and nature conservation. We love doing their extra classes."

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, Jake C. reports: "I like to run in the morning and take my son in stroller for a few miles in the afternoon and the well groomed & paved trails were perfect. The campground hosts were great and informed on the area."

Stroller-friendly paths: Some parks feature accessible trails suitable for families with small children. At Arrowhead Park, Sarah H. explains, "The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable."

Tips from RVers

Concrete pad availability: Several campgrounds offer level, stable sites for larger rigs. At Lake Cunningham, Steve D. reports, "10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean! Many clean and nice bathrooms which showers and FULL hookups for almost any size RV or camper."

Self-service check-in: Some parks operate on honor systems with minimal staff interaction. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," shares Abby W. about camping at Hitchcock Nature Center.

Dump station locations: RVers should note dump station placements when selecting sites. Jake C. advises about Walnut Creek: "The potable water is spread out across the campground but I only had to make a few trips with my 6gal jugs during my 2 week stay. Dump station at the entrance is really close to sites 43-45 since the campground is a large loop."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is River Bend Campground located in Fort Calhoun?

River Bend Campground appears to be located near Fort Calhoun, which is in eastern Nebraska along the Missouri River. For similar riverside camping in the area, consider Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground which is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near the Missouri River. Though technically in Iowa, it's very close to Fort Calhoun. Another option is River View Park Resort & Marina near Blair, just a short drive from Fort Calhoun.

What amenities are available at River Bend Campground in Fort Calhoun?

While specific information about River Bend Campground is limited, nearby campgrounds offer similar amenities you might expect. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground features extensive facilities including an aquatic center, zip lines, horseback riding, and various accommodation options. For RV camping, Pine Grove RV Park & Campground provides clean facilities in a quiet setting, making it suitable for overnight or short stays. Typical riverside campgrounds in this region generally offer basic amenities like picnic areas, fire rings, and access to water recreation.

How do I make reservations at River Bend Campground in Fort Calhoun?

For campground reservations in the Fort Calhoun area, most state parks and recreation areas use online reservation systems. Platte River State Park Campground offers reservable sites through Nebraska's state park reservation system. Similarly, West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday takes direct reservations through their website or phone system. For county-managed areas like many around Fort Calhoun, check with the Washington County Parks Department or call the campground directly for the most current reservation procedures and availability.